Vulpix
At the time of birth, it has just one tail. The tail splits from its tip as it grows older.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Flamethrower is the STAB anchor of this set. The Fire-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Vulpix's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Fire weaknesses.
Extrasensory rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Vulpix's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Vulpix's primary attacks.
The Normal-type Will-O-Wisp serves as coverage for matchups Vulpix would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Fire attacks.
Energy Ball provides essential Grass-type coverage, super-effective against Fire, Ice, Poison. This move fills gaps in Vulpix's otherwise Fire-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Strengths
- ▸Thanks to its Fire typing, Vulpix can leverage STAB-boosted Flamethrower to punch through opponents weak to Fire attacks
- ▸Resisting Bug, Fairy, Fire gives Vulpix natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸Vulpix can fulfill multiple roles depending on how it's built and what team supports it
Weaknesses
- ▸Vulnerability to Ground, Rock, Water types means Vulpix must avoid switching into these attack types
- ▸With only 38 hp, Vulpix struggles to survive hits
- ▸The 65 Speed stat leaves Vulpix outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
- ▸With only 299 total stats, Vulpix is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles
Pro Tips
Channel VP into Special Attack and Speed to make Vulpix a potent special sweeper. A Choice item can patch Vulpix's stats, but locks it into one move. Use Vulpix's resistances to Bug, Fairy to find safe entry points. Pair Vulpix with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Vulpix's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. With a 299 base stat total led by its spDef of 65, Vulpix relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Fire typing creates vulnerabilities to Ground, Rock, Water types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Vulpix depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Vulpix brings a 299 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spDef-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Flamethrower) with coverage moves (Extrasensory, Will-O-Wisp), giving Vulpix answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground, Rock, Water mean Vulpix must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Vulpix is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Vulpix, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Vulpix is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Vulpix in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Flamethrower and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Vulpix has the advantage here. Its Fire typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Vulpix to tank hits and retaliate with Flamethrower. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Vulpix's 65 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Water-type opponents: Vulpix has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Fire moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Vulpix when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Vulpix, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 299 total base stats, Vulpix should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Ground coverage, save Vulpix for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Flamethrower and Extrasensory while assessing the opponent's team composition.
As the battle progresses, Vulpix should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Fire typing means Vulpix has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Ground types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Fire, stay in and attack.
Flamethrower should be your primary attack, with Extrasensory for coverage when needed.
In the final stages of battle, Vulpix can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Vulpix to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Bug, Fairy to tank a hit, then strike with Flamethrower before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Grass typing to your team to switch in when Vulpix faces Ground-type threats
- ▸Pair Vulpix with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Vulpix with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Ground-type Pokemon with STAB Ground moves to exploit Vulpix's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 75 will outspeed and KO Vulpix before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Vulpix's low Defense (40) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Vulpix's weak Special Defense (65) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Vulpix with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Vulpix's primary weakness while Vulpix handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Vulpix alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Vulpix's defensive typing. Switch Vulpix in to absorb hits with its Bug, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
VoltTurn Core: Vulpix works well in a Volt Switch/U-turn core, allowing safe pivoting. Pair with other pivot users to maintain momentum and control the battle tempo, bringing Vulpix in only when it has a favorable matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Vulpix good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Vulpix is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 299 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Vulpix can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Vulpix?
A:Vulpix benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Vulpix has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Vulpix?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Vulpix, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 50 vs Attack at 41, special builds are clearly superior for Vulpix.
Q:How do I counter Vulpix?
A:Vulpix's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Vulpix before it acts, especially given its 65 Speed. To beat Vulpix, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.